Baha 5 recipient: I wish everybody who has a hearing loss could experience what I’m hearing now

On the day Debra B., 54, got her CochlearTM Baha® 5 Sound Processor fitted, she cried: “It was like hearing for the first time. Hearing on both sides and getting back the stereo sound I lost was fantastic; it was emotionally overwhelming.”

Debra’s hearing loss started on her right side as a child and continued throughout her childhood. As doctors told her that hearing aids would not really help, she simply learned to “live with it”.

A few years ago, Debra had surgery that left her with little hearing on her right side. It was then that she first learned about the Cochlear Baha System and how it would be the best choice for her type of hearing loss. Debra had the opportunity to test the Baha Sound Processor on a Softband prior to implant surgery, which positively impacted her decision to move forward.

“The Baha 5 System has been life-changing because for the first time in over 50 years I can hear on both sides,” said Debra. “Now, instead of feeling isolated when there’s a family gathering and people are talking, I can hear.”

The Baha 5 Sound Processor is compatible with all the Cochlear™ True Wireless™ accessories, and Debra finds the wireless Mini Microphone helpful in her daily life. Her daughters can wear the Mini Microphone while shopping and Debra doesn’t have to struggle to hear them. The Mini Microphone also helps Debra while teaching in her classroom because it can be placed in the middle of the room so she can better hear her students’ questions and comments.

The Baha 5 Smart App enables her to discreetly change programs and activate wireless streaming with her iPhone®.

“The Made for iPhone technology makes life so much easier because the app gives me accessibility to adjusting the volume just using my iPhone. I can adjust the treble, the bass, and it will give me an alert when my processor battery is running low.”

Soon, Debra is going to be a grandmother for the first time. One of her daughters is expecting a little boy!

“I am fully looking forward to having a little grandson and I won’t miss out on a single thing in his life, like I did when my girls were babies. I want to get the most out of life that I can because I can hear. I’m not missing anything.”

See more of Debra’s story:

For more information on the Baha 5 Sound Processor and bone conduction implants as a hearing loss solution for you or a loved one, click here.

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About Renee Oehlerking

Renee Oehlerking is the Inbound Marketing Manager at Cochlear Americas where she is responsible for the region’s public relations and consumer marketing social media. Renee enjoys uncovering, telling and showcasing the inspiring stories of hearing implant recipients. As a recent transplant to Denver, Colorado, Renee enjoys exploring all that the state has to offer outdoors.

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Views expressed by Cochlear recipients and hearing health providers are those of the individual. Consult your hearing health provider to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear™ technology. Outcomes and results may vary.